Once the imperial capital of the Habsburg dynasty, Vienna's Baroque majesty is sure to impress. You'll find art, music and wonderful food at the heart of life in this city. Stroll through parks, lose yourself in museums, or enjoy one of Vienna's renowned coffee houses.

Graz is Austria's second-largest city and culinary capital. As well as being home to Europe's largest Medieval old town, Graz boasts a mix of opulent Habsburgian residences, understated Franciscan chapels and a trailblazing array of contemporary architecture, most famously the city's not-to-be-missed Kunsthaus (affectionally known by locals as the 'friendly alien'). Despite its cultural and architectural prowess, the verdant Schlossberg provides a tranquil escape from the buzz of the city, and the surrounding Styrian countryside makes a great day's excursion. 

The birthplace of Mozart, backdrop of the Sound of Music and home to a lesser-known jazz scene, Salzburg has long drawn in music lovers with its array of museums, venues and festivals. But this Austrian-German border city has far more to offer than its renowned musical heritage. Exploring at your own pace, you'll uncover UNESCO-listed Baroque Altstadt, the flowing Salzach River and splendid gardens, all against the silhouette of the Austrian Alps.

At the northern tip of the lake that shares its name, Zürich is Europe's leading economic hub. However, scratch beneath the surface of Zürich's financial reputation and you'll find an attractive Altstadt (old town) and, to the west, a post-industrial district filled with cool bars, art collectives and fashion upstarts.